Reviewer: Chris Delloiacono
Story Title: Burn: Conclusion
Written by: Karl Kesel
Penciled by: Skottie Young
Inked by: Joe Seung
Colored by: Studio F
Lettered by: Virtual Calligraphy’s Cory Petit
Assistant Editors: Marc Sumerak & Andy Schmidt
Editor: Tom Brevoort
Keepers of the Flame: Stan Lee & Jack Kirby
Publisher: Marvel Comics
A very cluttered place
No, I’m not talking about the launch of the myriad Tsunami titles about six months ago. I’m talking the printed world of the Fantastic Four. While Human Torch, and Thing have had their own series in the past, or been regularly featured in other books besides FF, those days have nothing on what’s to come. Marvel recently announced the Ultimate Fantastic Four, and a new FF book for the MAX line, not to mention that we have the long running (depending on your numbering perspective) series, and Torch’s solo book as well. For Spider-Man that would be a slow month, but for a group that’s really only had one regular book for the last twenty years or so, that’s a deluge.
The roof, the roof is one fire
Tsunami hasn’t seen very many breakout hits, but definitely has had its share of critical darlings. Human Torch isn’t a critical darling, a mega-hit, but thankfully it appears safe from cancellation at the moment. Karl Kesel did a nice job with the first storyline “Burn,†bringing everything to a neat conclusion this month.
Kesel gave us solid supporting players, and set the events amongst a group of real heroes, firemen. There have been some nice situations revolving around very dubious spontaneous combustions and other freaky fire occurrences. While part four seemed to bring in a new super villain for Johnny Storm, in the end Firefox was nothing more than a clever ruse.
The secret of who was behind the Torch’s troubles wasn’t as big a deal as the “who is Hush†storyline in Batman, but it was still a decent little mystery. While super abilities are to blame for the problems, Kesel, in true modern day Marvel fashion, gets around making this a real superhero comic. That was a little disappointing, and the main reason for the slight grade reduction from the previous issues I reviewed.
Keep it up, Skottie
Skottie Young has an immediately recognizable style. In the past, I’ve mentioned the similarities to Mike Wieringo’s work (Thank you once again Marvel for putting Waid and Wieringo back on FF). Young’s style is very fitting for this type of book. There are some adult themes, but overall the tone and pacing are meant for a much younger audience. The exaggerated bodies, and broad smiles should appeal to this younger set.
Inexplicably, still kicking
When it started I didn’t know how long this book would last, but right now we’ve got solicitations through issue 8. It’s not at the top of my read pile when it comes out, but I have to admit that I find it a guilty pleasure. It breaks the flow of the many darker series I read. The book gives me a chance to relax to a more youth oriented book. The trade for this arc is currently set for January. You may want to give it a look.
